zakka!

before i started this blog i had never heard of zakka, but i have been stumbling upon the word ever since. to try and learn all kind of new craft techniques and find patterns to work from i have been looking at what kind of books are out there. i found the japanese craft books to be what i was looking for, they have a certain style that really appeals to me and the fact that they are in a language that i don't understand makes it even better! i must be a sucker for punishment... anyway,i kept seeing all kind of different books and patterns for handmade zakka. i've been reading up a bit on this and from what i understand zakka is a word to describe a japanese product with added (design) value. it applies mostly to fashion and accessories, but also to toys and housewares. if i'm not mistaken it just means extra attention is given to the way it looks and feels, kind of what we call 'design'. zakka bag = design bag. of course all with a very stylish and tasteful japanese twist! ps. this is my first post in english, looks like a lot of my visitors are from the uk and the us. so welcome!